Carers: what you can do and UK carer support

Macmillan defines a carer as someone who gives "any unpaid help or support to someone with cancer who could not manage without your help", and lists what caring can involve: "emotional support", "helping with daily tasks", "driving them to appointments", "talking to other people on their behalf, such as health and social care professionals" and "helping with personal care such as bathing and dressing". It advises: "tell the healthcare team that you are a carer, so that you can be part of the plans for going home", and that "it is important to look after your own wellbeing and health needs". For gallbladder cancer the practical jobs are keeping the stent date and the 24-hour number by the phone, a written list of current medicines, a pain and symptom diary (Macmillan's pain page), a thermometer, and knowing the sepsis and bleeding signs on the NHS pages.

The NHS says "a carer's assessment is free and anyone over 18 can ask for one": "contact adult social services at your local council and ask for a carer's assessment", which can lead to a support plan including respite ("someone to take over caring so you can take a break"), help with transport and household tasks. Its benefits page says "Carer's Allowance is the main state benefit for carers. It's £86.45 a week" for people caring at least 35 hours a week for someone on certain benefits, with Carer's Credit for those caring 20 or more hours who do not claim it; it points to Carers UK (0808 808 7777) and Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848). Macmillan's support line (0808 808 00 00, 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) is open to carers as well as patients. This is orientation from public patient pages, not advice for your case: your own team's instructions and 24-hour number come first.